Gnats, mosquitoes and things that bite
We are planning a trip to the Great Salt Lake and I saw a notice at one of the campgrounds that the No-See-ems were hatching and even head nets didn't work Shall we rethink going. How long are they a...
Forum Discussion
The following is from a Article on the internet with info from CDC and Consumer Reports.
Several repellents work well.
CDC says you want one that includes DEET (N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide), picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or a chemical called IR3535.
While DEET products have long been thought the most effective, recent tests byConsumer Reports gave the edge to picaridin and oil of lemon eucalyptus.
"It was really a surprise," and should be good news to people uneasy with the possible side effects of DEET, says the magazine's senior health and food editor, Sue Byrne.
DEET has been linked with seizures and other serious side effects, mostly in people who swallowed it or applied heavy concentrations.
When used as directed, it's safe, Bernier says: "It's been around 63 years and has a remarkable safety record."
Other strategies can help.
Wear long sleeves, pants, closed shoes and socks for a walk in the woods. You also can also spray a repellent called permethrin on clothing and gear. And check yourself for ticks when you go inside
For an evening on your patio, try this: sit next to a fan running at high speed. Consumer Reports found that helped repel mosquitoes, and Day says it makes sense: "Mosquitoes do not have an ability to fly in wind conditions much more than 1 mile an hour."
Here's what doesn't work.
Consumer Reports gave thumbs down to:
• "Natural" repellent sprays made with plant oils, such as citronella, lemongrass, and rosemary
• Wrist bands containing citronella or geraniol oil
• Citronella candles
The American Academy of Pediatrics adds these to the ineffective list:
• Garlic
• Vitamin B1 supplements
• Bug zappers (they may actually attract insects)
• Ultrasonic devices
Several repellents work well.
CDC says you want one that includes DEET (N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide), picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or a chemical called IR3535.
While DEET products have long been thought the most effective, recent tests byConsumer Reports gave the edge to picaridin and oil of lemon eucalyptus.
"It was really a surprise," and should be good news to people uneasy with the possible side effects of DEET, says the magazine's senior health and food editor, Sue Byrne.
DEET has been linked with seizures and other serious side effects, mostly in people who swallowed it or applied heavy concentrations.
When used as directed, it's safe, Bernier says: "It's been around 63 years and has a remarkable safety record."
Other strategies can help.
Wear long sleeves, pants, closed shoes and socks for a walk in the woods. You also can also spray a repellent called permethrin on clothing and gear. And check yourself for ticks when you go inside
For an evening on your patio, try this: sit next to a fan running at high speed. Consumer Reports found that helped repel mosquitoes, and Day says it makes sense: "Mosquitoes do not have an ability to fly in wind conditions much more than 1 mile an hour."
Here's what doesn't work.
Consumer Reports gave thumbs down to:
• "Natural" repellent sprays made with plant oils, such as citronella, lemongrass, and rosemary
• Wrist bands containing citronella or geraniol oil
• Citronella candles
The American Academy of Pediatrics adds these to the ineffective list:
• Garlic
• Vitamin B1 supplements
• Bug zappers (they may actually attract insects)
• Ultrasonic devices
